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SMILE SURGERY

SMILE laser vision correction with Zeiss VisuMax, minimally invasive, no flap, less dry-eye than LASIK. Board-certified ophthalmologist, internationally accredited or nationally certified hospital with on-site ICU. Modern alternative to LASIK with a single small incision instead of a corneal flap. Better for athletes, people with dry eyes, and those wanting the most advanced refractive technology available. Both eyes treated the same day.

From · all-in
$4,116–$4,922
Save vs USA
35%
$2,184 USD
See your custom price · use the calculator
SMILE SURGERY
From · all-in
$4,116–$4,922
surgeon + hospital + Wellum Care
Save vs USA
35%
$2,184 USD · vs US average
Recommended stay
2
nights
Recovery
24–48 hours
full recovery
TRANSPARENT CALCULATOR

Your estimate for SMILE Laser Eye Surgery

Every line visible. No surprises. Compare with US true cost.

CHOOSE YOUR SURGEON

Each surgeon sets their own pricing based on experience and specialization. You choose.

3 available
2 nights

Baseline estimate. Final stay depends on your surgeon's instructions after your videoconsultation.

For this procedure you can pick one of our partner hotels or our REHAUS Recovery House (official partner). Wellum partner rate.

Wellum (Mexico)

all-in
Surgeon & medical team $3,520
Hospital, OR & anesthesia included in package
Accommodation: · 2 nights —
Wellum Care Concierge $1,000
Total all-in —

United States

true cost
Surgeon quoted price $5,650
Pre-op evaluation & topography $300
Antibiotic & steroid eye drops $80
Artificial tears (3 months supply) $70
Day-1 + week-1 + 1-month follow-ups $200
Total real cost $6,300

US prices: 2026 averages for board-certified ophthalmologists at accredited facilities, built up by component (surgeon, facility/OR, anesthesia, pre-op exams, drops/medication and follow-ups). Sources: AAO Eye Health Statistics, ASCRS Clinical Survey, AllAboutVision, Refractive Surgery Council, CareCredit and published clinic pricing.

YOUR REAL SAVINGS

Including hidden US costs most patients don't see at first

—

Book your $99 medical videoconsultation with Dr. Jorge Rendón Félix

Credited to your surgery · 100% refundable if you're not a candidate

Why this isn't your final quote

We can't give you a 100% exact number until your surgeon sees your case in your medical video consultation. Your final quote may move from this estimate based on additional studies your surgeon may need, your specific anatomy, or projected recovery time. Most patients land within 15% of what you're seeing here — we'd rather tell you that upfront than surprise you later.

Edith Lobo Martínez
YOUR CARE COORDINATOR
Edith Lobo Martínez Care Coordinator · Wellum

"I personally review every quote that comes in. No bots, no call centers."

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About this procedure

- What is it? SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the most modern laser vision correction procedure. Instead of creating a corneal flap (as in LASIK), the surgeon uses a Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser to shape a thin disc of tissue inside the cornea, then removes it through a tiny 2–4 mm incision. The result is a reshaped cornea that focuses light correctly, without ever lifting a flap.

- Who is it for? Patients with myopia (with or without astigmatism) who want the least invasive laser correction available. Especially good for athletes, military, first responders, and anyone with active lifestyles where flap-related risks would be a concern. Also a strong choice for patients with mild-to-moderate dry eye, since SMILE preserves more of the corneal nerves than LASIK.

- Step-by-step:

  • The procedure: 8–10 minutes per eye. You feel slight pressure, no pain. Both eyes treated the same day.
  • Recovery: Most patients see 20/20 by the next morning. Full visual recovery in days.
  • Long-term: Less risk of long-term dry-eye than LASIK because the corneal nerves are largely preserved.

- SMILE vs LASIK, honest comparison:

  • SMILE: smaller incision, no flap, less dry-eye risk, slightly higher cost ($3,450 vs $2,160 USD).
  • LASIK: faster visual recovery (hours vs ~24h), more correction range (treats hyperopia too), more affordable.
  • Both are safe and effective. The right choice depends on your prescription, corneal thickness, lifestyle, and priorities. Your surgeon recommends in the medical video consultation.

- Common question: Is SMILE permanent? Yes, like LASIK, the corneal reshape is permanent. Some patients may need glasses for reading later in life due to age-related changes (presbyopia), but the SMILE correction itself is stable.

Your recovery, day by day

This is what a typical patient experience looks like. Every case varies — your surgeon will adjust based on your progress.

Day / Phase What to expect
Day -1 Arrival Pickup, hotel check-in. Final pre-op exam to confirm corneal topography, prescription, and SMILE candidacy.
Day 0 Surgery day 8–10 minutes per eye (both eyes same day) with Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser. Single small incision, no flap created.
Day 1 First post-op + clearance Vision check at 24h. Most patients see 20/20 already. Less dry-eye than LASIK. Cleared for normal activity.
Day 2 Cleared to fly home Eye drops regimen for 4 weeks. Sunglasses for comfort. Final result at 1 week. No flap = no flap-related risks.
Week 1–4 Virtual follow-ups Vision stabilizes fully. Less long-term dry-eye than LASIK. Excellent option for athletes and active lifestyles.

Frequently asked questions about this procedure

How is SMILE different from LASIK?

SMILE uses a tiny 2–4 mm incision (vs a ~20 mm flap in LASIK), preserving more corneal nerves and reducing dry-eye symptoms.

Am I a candidate?

A pre-op exam confirms it; we accept your local optometrist's records.

How fast is recovery?

Most patients are back to normal activities in 24–48 hours.

Both eyes the same day?

Yes, both eyes are treated in the same session.

Do I need a recovery house?

No. SMILE is outpatient, a hotel stay is enough.

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